If you are a Newcastle United supporter, you know there is a special relationship with Allan Saint-Maximin following his four-year spell at St. James’ Park.
Even as the winger’s career eventually took him away from Tyneside shortly after PIF took over the Magpies and sent him across several different countries, ASM still has a place in his heart reserved for Newcastle and his time at the club.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Saint-Maximin described Newcastle as his “dream club” and revealed that his loyalty
to United even influenced subsequent career decisions.
“Newcastle United is my dream club, I love it from the bottom of my heart. I watch every single game,” Saint-Maximin said. “They gave me what no one gave to me and I will never forget that. I’m very loyal. I had many opportunities to come to the Premier League, but I didn’t because of them.”
Saint-Maximin spent four seasons at Newcastle, longer than at any other club during his career. He initially became one of the team’s primary attacking outlets during the Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley era before remaining part of the transformation following the 2021 takeover.
The Frenchman eventually helped Eddie Howe’s Newcastle avoid relegation before contributing as the club qualified for the Champions League and reached a cup final during the 2022-23 campaign.
For Saint-Maximin, however, his memories extend well beyond on-field results.
“If I was able to give all of my money to them, I would, because there is nothing better than the feeling they give you,” Saint-Maximin said. “It is something you can’t buy, and I’ve tried to.
“The love they give to you, when I ran with the ball, I had the feeling of people behind me and I ran because of them. This feeling is incredible.”
Saint-Maximin was ultimately sold to Al-Ahli for £23 million in July 2023 as Newcastle sought additional financial flexibility. In an interesting twist, current Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle arrived as Al-Ahli head coach only a day after Saint-Maximin signed, and the pair spent a season together.
Now playing for Charlotte FC after spending time at Al-Ahli, Fenerbahce, Club America and RC Lens, Saint-Maximin said he hopes Jaissle and his staff “have the best possible time” at Newcastle, just as he did.
Where does Saint-Maximin rank among your favorite Newcastle players of the modern era, and would you ever have liked to see him return? Let us know in the comments below!
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